History Repeats for George W. Bush

On July 28, 1986, George W. Bush made a choice that changed the course of his life - he resolved to stop drinking alcohol from that day forward. In taking the initiative, he surprised a few people with his achievement. At crucial times, he has surpassed people's expectations with startling actions.

The year 1986 marked a turning point - some say a transformation - that propelled him to the heights where he now sits as President of the United States. For the first time in 17 years, he faces another critical juncture. While the present, 2003, bears a striking resemblance to the pivotal time of 1986, a singular difference separates them. Unlike then, George W. Bush now presides over a nation, and so the consequences of his choices affect much more than just him personally or those around him. They affect an entire people - an entire world.

As in 1986, the most rewarding decision for him will run counter to what most people assume he will do. Prior to his 40th birthday, the path traveled by Mr. Bush produced limited success. Then he quietly yet suddenly altered his way. Applying his unwavering will, he instantly eliminated a self-destructive pattern and transformed himself.

Pursuing a predictable course of action at this time will bring unforeseen consequences. Why? The nature of this period for President Bush - and the one 17 years ago as a private citizen - involves the unexpected.

By once more moving in an unanticipated direction, Mr. Bush can initiate a positive change and can reinvigorate the country. Otherwise, he - and the United States - will experience surprising results from unsurprising actions. These results will likely prove debilitating, especially if tracking a path beset with obstacles. Under present circumstances, such resistance signals a need for a change. Mr. Bush undoubtedly received similar signals prior to July 28, 1986.

Because of the extraordinary times we live in - since September 11, 2001 - decisions carry greater responsibility than in the recent past. President Bush and America stand at a crossroads that will determine the fate of this country for many years to come. As an individual, Mr. Bush has been here before and made a turn that enhanced his life and his stature. Now he commands nearly 300 million people. May he once again choose wisely and lead in a direction that few expect yet many will praise.

The Details

Now let's look at the astrological factors that reveal a reoccurring pattern where fate once again looms over George W. Bush - and a nation. As stated in the article, Space Shuttle Columbia from Start to Finish, the distinction between fate and destiny - according to Sumerian thinking - is this: Fate is alterable; destiny is not. With that in mind, we turn to the horoscope of President Bush.

Two major transits - one by Neptune and one by Pluto - dominate 2003 for him. In George W. Bush - Certain Uncertainty, I discuss the influence of Neptune's transit over his horoscope. Let's review its effect.

In his natal chart, President Bush has Mercury, Pluto, and the Ascendant all together - or in conjunction. This configuration shows his uncompromising nature, his ability to see issues in terms of black and white - "either you are with us or against us" - and the capacity to maintain faith despite the odds and the opposition. While these qualities have served him well over the years, they tend to cause him problems in 2003 due to Neptune's opposition by transit.

Neptune represents what is vast, unbounded, and subtle (not black and white). It can represent disappointment and confusion when a point of view is rigid and unbending because it works to undermine and dissolve whatever is hard or unyielding. On the other hand, it can assist in the process of letting go, opening up, and becoming more flexible. For President Bush - given the conjunction of natal planets and what they signify - this Neptune opposition brings to them an unwelcome and unfamiliar energy.

It is easy to lose your bearings when Neptune's influence predominates. The key to maintaining them - and dealing effectively with Neptune - is truthfulness. The challenge and the reward of a Neptune transit are to see things for how they really are. For President Bush, the danger lies in is his conviction that he knows what the truth is - Mercury, Pluto, and Ascendant in conjunction - while ignoring the opposition that envelops him. False beliefs can sometimes take over during this transit where the truth is elusive - and sometimes ignored.

From about the middle of February to the middle of May 2003, transiting Jupiter will conjunct Mr. Bush's natal alignment of Mercury, Pluto, and Ascendant. Since Jupiter tends to expand whatever it contacts, President Bush will likely exhibit increased confidence in his convictions. The position of Neptune, however, implies that Jupiter may also symbolize an even greater distortion of whatever is false or misleading. Delusions of being unassailable can manifest. Again, truth is the essential ingredient to avoid the pitfalls and to successfully pass the tests that Neptune presents.

In discussing the second critical transit in 2003 for President Bush, we must first consider the past. As noted above and in many of his biographical sources, July 28, 1986 marked a turning point for him. He made a choice - a surprising one to many who knew him - that changed his life.

Looking at his natal horoscope, he has the planet Uranus closely conjunct the north node. The lunar nodes - comprised of a north and south point - are an axis. While not exactly an "axis of evil," they do often signify problems that are difficult to manage and can compel us to behave - at times - in a destructive manner when suitably activated. The lunar nodes relate to the consequences of our actions and what obliges us to take action. They connect us with fate.

By themselves, the nodes create periodic disturbances, although they also point to how the past influences us and how the future calls us. When a planet, however, closely aspects this axis - especially by conjunction - the nodal effects intensify. Fateful decisions carry greater significance and relate strongly to the planet in contact with the nodes. In the article Chain of Destiny and the Middle East, I show how each of the countries involved have planets closely aspecting the nodal axis.

With Uranus intimately connected to the nodal axis, it means fate can take unforeseen turns for Mr. Bush, especially when triggered by a significant transit. He is sometimes led - and will lead - in unpredictable directions that can create a sudden change - even a complete break from the past. This conjunction can compel him to act on his own and outside of any constraints he thinks will bind or limit him. It signifies a rebellious and willful streak that can - on occasion - generate exceptional results.

In 1986, he experienced two major transits - an opposition from Uranus and a 135-degree aspect from Pluto - to this tight natal conjunction between Uranus and the north node. During July, both transiting bodies made exact aspects to the natal pair and activated them.

To appreciate the magnitude of such an event, consider that it takes Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto 84, 165, and 248 years respectively to travel 360 degrees - or a complete circuit of the zodiac. They each will form a major aspect - by transit - to the different planets in a natal horoscope only a handful of times over an average lifespan. The transits of these three, therefore, often mark important phases in our lives. George W. Bush received a double dose in July 1986, and he abruptly altered his course.

This brings us back to 2003. In 17 years, Pluto has moved 45 degrees through the zodiac and now forms an opposition aspect to President Bush's natal Uranus and north node. While this lacks the twofold punch of 1986, an opposition (or conjunction) by Pluto will usually produce the most far-reaching effects of any single transit.

Once again fate appears, and he faces a momentous period demanding much of him - and his country. Given the nature of the nodal axis and Uranus, unforeseen circumstances can produce a seismic shift outside his control. The key to successfully handling this Pluto transit is to do the unpredictable and thus to diminish the necessity of the unpredictable happening to him and the United States.

When triggered, planets will fulfill their symbolism in ways that are consistent with their natures. Individual planets can manifest a number of possibilities that revolve around a core principle - unique and inherent to each one. (See Astrology and the Flow of Life for a detailed look.) What this means is that President Bush can choose his fate within the symbolism of the planets involved. Otherwise, fate will choose him.

Mr. Bush has intimated that he does consider himself chosen - by God - to lead his country during this exceptional period in the history of the United States and the world. While astrology remains an anathema to most religions, it provides an objective context - once you accept its premises - to measure and to anticipate the forces that cyclically affect our lives. From strictly an astrological viewpoint, President Bush's actions demonstrate a lack of awareness of the true nature of the forces at work in his life today. And why should he care? Like most people, he pays little or no attention to astrology and the valuable assistance it can offer.

As of this writing, President Bush seems temporarily blinded (Neptune transit) by a personal ideology (natal Mercury, Pluto, Ascendant) that he believes provides him no choice (Pluto transit) but to act on his own without regard to reason or the consensus of international opinion (natal Uranus, north node).

Without understanding planetary symbolism and its direct correlation to events that occur in our past, present, and future, we will simply sleepwalk through life, being a victim of fates rather than negotiating them to our advantage. Being advised on the planetary forces at work makes it possible (for a leader) to govern more effectively and to choose better and more positive outcomes. Remember - the planets have many different meanings, and we can focus on the meaning we want to experience.

In the case of Mr. Bush's natal Uranus and north node, now fully activated by Pluto, he can - like in 1986 - take the lead and move in an unanticipated direction that transforms himself and the country for the better. By eliminating destructive patterns, he can set an example that will earn him long lasting respect.

While he may believe a war with Iraq will accomplish these goals, there remains - astrologically speaking - one problem. War is expected. For Uranus (the unexpected) to fulfill its symbolism means that the outcome from this predictable action must bring unforeseen results. Clearly, war is not the answer but will present exceptional problems that Mr. Bush and his administration have not considered. To not go to war would be a shock and the best thing for President Bush, the nation, and the world. It would virtually assure his success. Otherwise, too many unknowns will plague him.

The following dates (in the year 2003) are when Mr. Bush - and the United States - are prone to unpredictable behavior and also when unexpected consequences may derive from actions taken. These dates are when the configuration of transiting Pluto and natal Uranus and north are highly charged and likely will manifest.